Challenges

Part IV

***2015***

Justin sighed hard as he closed the book. He had not thought of the deep emotions he felt that day in high school. The day his life changed, both for the good and for the bad. He visited the day often to decide if it was the right choice, the wrong choice, or if the primal urges of mankind were always in control. He forgot about the intense emotions he experienced the moment he kissed Nate in front of everyone. 

He looked at the clock. It was 5 o'clock and Matt would be coming in two hours. He smiled as he thought how great it would be to see his brother. 

As he contemplated life deeper, he heard the front door open and close. He heard heavy footsteps coming down the hall and knew his father was coming down the hall. 

His father walked past the doorway and looked in. Justin smiled at him

"Hey dad." He said cheerfully. His dad was not that approachable, but he did love him. His dad never said anything against him when he found out, but never said anything supportive. Justin figured it was to keep the peace at home. When his mother went on a tirade, his father went to work. 

"Son." His father came in and sat down in the chair opposite the couch Justin was sitting in. Justin adjusted his position so he could face his father. 

They sat in silence for a few moments.

"Your brother is coming tonight. He said he had some big news." His father broke the silence.

"He didn't tell me anything." Justin pondered. He talked to him the night before, but nothing about bringing some news. "What do you imagine it could be?"

"Something big." His dad scratched the back of his hand. "Maybe they are going to have a kid."

Justin grinned. "Make mom happy."

His dad just rolled his eyes and sighed. "What about you?"

"What do you mean?" Justin's heart started to beat harder. He never had this conversation with his parents. It was an unspoken rule. 

"Do you have someone in your life?" His father shifted in the chair. Justin was not sure if he was getting comfortable or becoming uncomfortable. "I know we never talk about this, and I am sorry. You are one of my sons. I love you, and I care about your life, just as much as Matt."

"I know dad." Justin shifted. He was becoming uncomfortable. "I love you too."

They sat for a moment in silence again. 

"Do you have someone in your life?" his dad asked again, his voice giving off the sound he was annoyed at having to ask again. 

"No." Justin frowned for a bit and looked at the floor. 

"Have you talked to Nate since you have been down?" 

"I drove by, but he was having a wedding party." Justin just shrugged. "He emailed me and told me he wanted to see me when I was down. Not sure how he found out I would be here."

"I told his father you would be down." His father sighed for a moment. "Figured maybe Nate would like to see you again. Heard he might be getting married, but not this soon. I am sorry son."

"It's okay dad." Justin put on a smile. "I am okay. I will be okay. I am happy. My job is good."

"Good." His father went to get up. "I am sorry I could never get your mother to accept you for you. She is a stubborn woman." He laughed for a bit. "Don't you dare tell her I said that."

Justin grinned and turned his attention back to the window.

***2017***

Justin and Nate sat in the office waiting for their parents to arrive. Justin shook his leg nervously as he looked around the office. Ms. Nelson, the office secretary, was busy typing on a computer, and filling reports. Every now and then she looked over with a frown at the two sitting there, but said nothing.